Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

BillinTexas
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p.2 #1 · p.2 #1 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

I bought an A9 here from a member and used it along with my other until buying an A1. Made me nervous but never had a problem and sold it when done with it.

Dec 14, 2023 at 04:51 PM

KarmaKramer
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p.2 #2 · p.2 #2 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

All 3 of mine were bought used. I’m not paying $6000 for a camera

I’m trying to make money!

Dec 14, 2023 at 09:01 PM

gheller
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p.2 #3 · p.2 #3 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

When you can get a new, US version from an authorized retailer with warranty for the same as some are asking for a "like new" version here on the B&S, it is a no brainer!

(hint: Greentoe). This is how I got my recent A7iv

Dec 14, 2023 at 09:31 PM

ramesesthe2nd
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p.2 #4 · p.2 #4 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

Warranty is just insurance so treat it like such. If you can replace the camera without putting serious financial strain on yourself, you should purchase a used camera from a reputable seller (established member) and save money. If you can't, then pay full price and buy new. I bought my first Sony camera, A7III, new and sold it just after a few months of usage. My current cameras are all bought used and no issues so far (knock on the wood).

Dec 14, 2023 at 09:34 PM

liggy
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p.2 #5 · p.2 #5 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

My high end Sony bodies have been bought new but I have some older used ones purchased here on FM that have worked out beautifully.

To be honest I've had better luck buying used lenses from reputable sellers here than with KEH.

Edited on Dec 15, 2023 at 10:17 AM · View previous versions

Dec 14, 2023 at 11:15 PM

pasblues
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p.2 #6 · p.2 #6 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

On that note, I tend not buy from FL or CA.

I’ve made it clear to my editor I won’t shoot indoor swimming. I once was dispatched to shoot a chemical spill and refused the assignment by asking if my employer was proving a hazmat suit (no).

I’ve watched with amusement various videos of photographers shooting in the rain with water dripping off the gear “because it’s waterproof.” In one such video, the photographer discovered his A7sII had quit working after it was soaked in the downpour.

I don’t shoot in the rain or extremes although I can see where some photographers might have to. I would think something like that would require a disclosure of “exposed to extreme conditions.”

InFocus2014 wrote:
In the last ten years, I have successfully purchased six used cameras off of FM B&S.

For me, the key is to purchase from sellers with a positive history rating and only purchase items with detailed photographs. I only buy items in close to new condition. Of course, I realize that I am, to some degree, rolling the dice. As an example, if a camera has been exposed to salt-water, the (catastrophic) failure might not occur for months into the future. However, I have been impressed with the overall integrity of sellers on FM, so I think the exposure is...Show more →

Dec 15, 2023 at 07:59 AM

Alan Parker
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p.2 #7 · p.2 #7 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

There's pro's and cons to both. I bought my A7RIV second hand on a good deal but then had to cover a hefty repair after it somehow had water damage; that was possibly already present.
It's about the trade-off; is buying cheap better or do I want warranty?

Dec 15, 2023 at 08:06 AM

runamuck
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p.2 #8 · p.2 #8 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

Ebay currently is weighted toward protecting the buyer. A few years ago the seller was heavily protected by Ebay. I recently bought a really nice macro lens that was perfectly good. I removed and replaced the lens cap 3 times that day the 4th try it failed. I took a photo and sent to the seller. An hour later I had an email saying he wold knock off 20 bucks.

I feel safer buying off Ebay after seeing many photos here, taken in conditions I would never subject myself or my camera to. When I buy a 1 year drops and spills warranty it is often far less costly than many here, and I have a warranty. Eventually, I think sellers will complain the buyer is too heavily protected. Meanwhile, I enjoy the savings.

Ebay has a far wider choice. When your lens is in a listing with a dozen other lenses it tends to drive down asking prices. My CD player died. Yes, I have CD's. Ebay had 50 to choose from. I got a top-shelf Sony for 15 bucks.

Dec 15, 2023 at 04:05 PM

gocolts
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p.2 #9 · p.2 #9 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

I've bought almost every body and lens I've owned here used, including my current A1. Huge price savings, and will continue to do so with long-standing members.

Dec 15, 2023 at 04:32 PM

KE_Photo
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p.2 #10 · p.2 #10 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

pasblues wrote:
I tend not buy from FL or CA.

? I've had houses in both.
Because of..... beaches/sand? I can sort of understand avoiding FL a bit more due to humidity, lightning, hurricanes and massive rains - but that would eliminate a lot of the SE.
CA doesn't have humidity though for the most part. The weather is close to perfect all the time so I don't get that one. Beaches are only tiny part of the terrain - and not close by for the majority of people.

Anyway, I've purchased a lot of resale cameras, lenses and gear and not had issues. Only once - where the seller didn't mention big hunk of debris inside a lens - it got returned. Overwhelmingly it's been excellent results in resale gear. I've sold a lot too and it's always been in minty condition and happy buyers.

Dec 15, 2023 at 04:57 PM

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